Tis the season of GIVING, and I am so excited to give back to my fabulous Tudor fans who have made writing and maintaining this website such a joy for the past year and a half!!! Because this is my favorite time of the year, I am very happy to hold a Tudor Christmas writing competition - and it's never too early to get started! I think this will be really fun and I can't wait to see what the entries are like!

Here's the idea...

It's Christmas at one of the Tudor courts - (You pick it! Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, or Elizabeth I!) - What is it like? Pretend that you are a member of the court... a visitor, a lady-in-waiting, a friend of the monarch, a knight, a courtier... Be creative! Write a letter to someone who is NOT at court with you, and tell them what the Christmas festivities are like! Explain to them the atmosphere, the decoration, the clothes, food...EVERYTHING! Be as creative and detailed as you want - and make us SEE what Christmas at the Tudor court is like!!!

Rules:

The letter can be as long (or short) as you'd like - use as much room as you need to describe your Tudor Christmas!

Send your letters via email to me at tudorenthusiast@gmail.com any time between now and December 23rd at midnight! This will give me all day on Christmas Eve to organize the letters into a festive Christmas post.

BE CREATIVE!!! This is supposed to be a FUN and FESTIVE way of celebrating our Tudor Christmas - the most wonderful time of the year!!! Let yourself go with this prompt... the more creative and descriptive you are, the better!!

There is no limit to the amount of letters I can receive - so please, everyone take part!!! Unless you specify otherwise, I will include every letter in my Christmas blog post, so that everyone can enjoy your writing!! In addition to your letter being included in my blog, I will choose ONE letter that I think is the most creative, and that Tudor Enthusiast will receive a special Christmas present from me!!

Get excited, get creative, and get in the Tudor Christmas spirit!!! This is going to be a great competition... I can feel it!!!

And here's the third winning entry in the "Anne of Hollywood" book giveaway competition. Congratulations and thank you!!

Henry and Anne’s tragic love story intrigues many including myself. But the lost part of how their romance began is a mystery. A mystery left open to the imaginations of those who wonder. I often ponder and think of that day they first laid eyes on each other, the day that would change history forever.I agree what I have heard that Anne’s meeting had to do with her Uncle and Father throwing her in Henry’s path hoping for a chance of rising opportunity and a royal family status. It is also well known that in that time that women were hardly allowed to disagree with a man, they did as they were told rather they liked it or not. So Anne being young did as she was told placing herself in front of King Henry.A Grand Feast is how I imagine it. Henry liked to host festive gatherings for his Kingdom and indulge in all that came. Anne is brought to court she moves about the room doing what she is there to do and it works he sees her and is taken by her dark beauty she is different from the rest of the women. Her Uncle and Father watch with smiles upon their faces for their plan is working just as they had planned out. Henry watches her asking those in his entourage about her wanting to know more about this dark beauty he had not seen at his court before. He takes it upon himself to go to her asking her to dance she accepts his offer as he pursues her but she refuses days pass and she is all he can think about so the letters begin.

I believe Anne as any woman was excited, moved and infatuated that the King was after her I am sure his letters made her feel giddy inside but as bad as I am sure she wished to cave to him she had vultures on her back watching her making sure she played the game right. So Henry did what he did best invited her to court as a lady to his then wife Katherine he wanted to do what it took to be near her and to see her when he wanted. But soon many started to notice and took Anne as a whore but she was not she had to hold her head high and love the King. Henry was use to having women upon women throw themselves at him but Anne refused every single time she knew this game and knew how to play it well. Promises were made between the two, their passion was hot and their love was strong and desirable, their ending tragic. Anne was someone he couldn’t have and wouldn’t give up until he had her which is exactly what he did. It was a chase that would play out for 7 years and a tragic love story that would forever be learned about and played out for years to come.

Here is another winning entry from the "Anne of Hollywood" book giveaway competition! Thanks and congratulations, Jasmine!She can feel his eyes on her as she suddenly becomes aware of the conversation and laughter across the pond. She had only wanted to take the air, but how could she have known she would encounter him here?Mistress Anne is still new to court. Naturally she has seen the king, but from a safe distance, but here, now she feels like a fawn, cornered in the woods, vulnerable, terrified, marked as prey. Henry VIII: King of England and France, Lord of Ireland and Defender of the Faith is making his way towards her now, followed by his usual group of favorites. Anne drops into a deep curtsy, trying to avoid eye contact with this powerful man, whose fondness for the works of Erasmus, piety and prowess in the tiltyard are well known. She can feel her heart pounding in her chest as these realizations wash over her. She briefly wonders if his is how her sister Mary felt, the poor fool.“Mistress Anne!!!” The king bellows “Taking the air are we?”“Yes, your Grace” Anne sputters, still deep in her curtsy"Please rise, Mistress Anne, sometimes I tire of such formalities. Will you join me for a walk?”

“If that is the King’s pleasure” Anne sputters again, barely able to get the words out“Indeed it is my pleasure, quite so in fact. I grow weary of my stifling chambers and I find I rather enjoy the view.” Anne can feel her stomach flutter Don’t play the fool, she tells herself. He certainly enjoyed the view of her sister and Bessie Blount, but apparently not his own wife, the pious Queen Katherine. However, Anne has no choice but to accept, refusing the king and risking his displeasure would bode ill for her family. She nervously takes his arm and they begin their walk as Henry’s favorites fall back to a respectable distance. As she looks over at the king, she begins to realize that this is the first time she can really see him. As he regales her with his plans to build a new ship, Anne is contemplating the face that looks back at her. He has shaven, his broad shoulders and chest made even more so by his doublet. Yes he is quite handsome indeed, Anne thinks to herself, but as she gazes at his face she can see the sorrow that is etched in it. Despairing over his lack of a male heir Anne thinks to herself. She has witnessed the Queen praying fervently, clutching her rosary, beseeching God for a strong, lively babe to fill her womb. It is at this moment that Anne can see the years of disappointment and anguish in his face. Anne knows that then king rarely visits Katherine at night. He obviously lays the blame at her door. Anne turns her attention back to Henry.“So Mistress Anne, how do you find life at court?”“Well your Grace I find that life at court is most err..lluminating”“Well I can’t imagine that my dear wife Katherine offers you a chance for many diversions” Anne detects a hint of contempt when he utters the words “dear wife”“She is a most gracious and pious lady, Your Grace”“Oh there is no need for such pleasantries, Katherine has become…quite dull, always praying with the bloody rosary and closeting herself up with her confessor”Is that so Sir High and Mighty Defender of the Faith? Anne muses to herself, though she knows not how to respond to this. Mercifully, Henry breaks the silence

“Well let’s not fret over the pastimes of my dowdy, saintly wife. I understand that you have spent some time in the French court. Your good father is my ambassador there.”"I believe you have also been acquainted with my sister, Mary” Anne immediately regrets these words, however Henry only laughs.“Ah, yes Lady Carey. She is a very sweet girl, very accommodating.”Anne is stunned into silence, not knowing how to proceed in this matter. She knows that the king’s affections towards Mary have waned. Mary tearfully confessed this to her mere days prior. Anne must break this insufferable silence.“Indeed your Grace. I understand that her husband now keeps a watchful eye on her” “Ha! That is understandable, considering her, how shall we say, talents. I wouldn’t let her out of my sight”Oh, but haven’t you Your Grace. Poor Mary is all but an outcast now. Father will not even look at her.Anne’s salvation comes when a messenger arrives with a message for the king. The king looks irritated and tears open the letter.“Well Mistress Anne. I must express my gratitude for this lovely diversion, but I must attend to some important matters I trust you will remain and enjoy the view” Before Anne can curtsy, Henry and his favorites have already turned and departed. Anne can finally collect herself. She takes a deep breath. He just wanted to take a walk, think nothing of it. Somehow Anne cannot put it from her mind. Surely he couldn’t want to possess both Boleyn girls…

I am so glad to announce the winners of my "Anne of Hollywood" book giveaway competition! I had a lot of fun reading the entries that you sent in. Here is one of the three winners of the competition! Enjoy!

It is early morning and the year is 1523 and his majesty has decided to go on a hunt out in the high country outside of London. Henry and Charles are up early before the sun begins to rise over Whitehall Palace. Is a beautiful autumn day the birds are chirping and you can see the hint of the sun starting to peek through the clouds. Henry and Charles have mounted their horses and are ready to ride out the gate of Whitehall Palace. They leave Whitehall Palace the sun begins to shine brightly on the river Thames, the sky is a beautiful blue the dew glistens on each blade of grass like the diamonds on a necklace. You can hear the town’s people going about their day; the town’s people love his majesty. His majesty and his grace the duke of Suffolk ride out the gate, the tows people give them a cheer as they ride by. His majesty and his grace wave as they ride by them. They are like school boys excited for the hunt and a day of adventure. They are riding through the forest in the high country not far from Hever Castle. The home of Thomas Boleyn and his family his son George, and 2 daughters Mary and Anne.Henry and Charles have made it to their destination they dismount their horses and begin to walk along the trails in the forest. They can hear the sounds of the birds, owls and all kinds of wildlife. The scents of jasmine and wild flowers are intoxicating. They can hear the sounds of the rushing water from a near by stream as it goes over the rocks. Charles can hear something close by and motions to his majesty that he sees a rack coming towards him. He gets ready and takes aim with his bow and arrow and strikes it the animal runs and then falls about 100 yards away. They have gotten a deer. They leave it and move on the guards take care of it and Henry and Charles move on and hear something much larger in the forest. They duck behind a very large willow tree and take aim and wait for the beast to come in to view. They see that is a very large Elk they are excited since they have been waiting for this all day. The beast comes closer and they get ready and take aim just a few more feet and they will be able to release the their arrows.

The beast is in plain site they take aim and hit him in the shoulder and the belly he runs and they mount their horse and ride after it the elk tries and falls to the ground neat the home of Thomas Boleyn. His majesty has been told that Thomas has two daughters Mary and Anne Boleyn and a son named George. They ride towards the Boleyn home Hever Castle. They arrive at Hever Castle they dismount their horse and the guards walk up to the door of the Boleyn home and knock Thomas Boleyn opens the door and is surprised that it is his majesty and his grace the duke of Suffolk.Thomas Boleyn and his son George greet his Majesty. They smile and shake hands; the king tells Thomas Boleyn that he has a gift for him and his family. *Thomas come and look I have a gift for your and your family ……*Thomas says to his majesty what is it? .... Thomas calls for his girls Mary and Anne * Girls come here and see what his majesty has brought us… The girls giggle and wonder what it is. * Poppa what is it *?….The king answers him and says *come and look* Thomas can see that it is an Elk. He reacts *Your Majesty we are most grateful for such a fine gift thank you* His majesty notices Thomas Boleyn’s daughters at the corner of his eye. He is so excited about the hunt and giving the elk to the Boleyn’s that he is not really paying attention to Mary and Anne. Thomas invites his majesty, his grace the duke of Suffolk and the rest of his majesty’s group in to his home for supper and overnight stay they will leave the next day for Whitehall Palace.They are talking and share stories, drinking wine and playing cards laughing. Anne and Mary are on the second floor looking down from the balcony watching his majesty and the duke everyone have a good time. Mary and Anne are talking and giggling thinking about his Majesty and what it is like at court. And how handsome and tall his majesty is. Mary says to Anne *Anne his majesty is quite handsome and has such a great laugh* Anne does not say a word and just watches him as he carries on with her father and brother and all they others sitting at the table. There is wine, fruit, cheeses, nuts, berries, and fresh meat elk, rabbit, venison that has been prepared but the chef in the Boleyn home.His majesty can feel the eyes of someone looking down at him but he cannot see who it is Anne remains hidden in a blind spot of the balcony.it is getting late and everyone is getting ready to retire and go to bed. It has been a very long and exciting day for his majesty. The hunt was a success and the company of the Boleyn house was quite grand. The dawn is breaking its early in the morning and you can hear the sounds or the birds there is a cool breeze blowing and the aroma of the fresh meat cooking on the fire wakes up everyone in the Boleyn house. his majesty and his grace and all those in his party.

They are up and having breakfast and will soon be on their way to Whitehall Palace. Mary has gotten up and goes to Anne’s room and wakes her up. * Mary says to Anne * Anne wake up the king is getting ready to leave he is having breakfast with poppa and George and his grace the Duke of Suffolk. we must get dressed and get down stairs to see the king. Anne Answers Mary and say’s *Mary I’m so tried go away I don’t care, its not that important to me at this time. I will see him from my window in my room when he leaves. besides what does he care weather I see him or not he does not even know that I am here it’s you that he has taken a fancy to. Mary answers Anne and says very well suit yourself I am not going to miss this opportunity, so go ahead and sleep you life away you will regret this Anne you will see. Anne replies to Mary and says *Mary really if you are so excited on his majesty then go and be happy you have my blessing*. Anne rolls over and is lying on her back in her beautiful four poster cherry mahogany bed with the damask quilts and pillows the room is very plush and done in pinks, ivory, and gold the finest that they can afford. She lies there and looks up at ceiling tiles and remembers when she was a little girl that she used to count them and play games to try and fall asleep. She can hear everyone getting ready to leave and then jumps out of bed. She puts on her robe and walks to the window she can see his Majesty’s servants outside and the duke of Suffolk getting ready to mount there horses and ride out.Thomas and George Boleyn walk out with his majesty and once again his majesty can feel that someone is looking at him from afar. But he cannot see whom it is because of the glare of the sun that’s reflecting off the beveled glass windows of Anne’s bedroom. The sunlight gives a golden hew off of the leaves on the trees. And there hint of fresh pine in the morning air. It’s a glorious day for a ride back to Whitehall Palace. His Majesty Mounts his horse as Anne continues to look out her window and watches the leave Hever Castle. Anne is thinking to herself about the king and what it would be like at court, she smiles, lets out a sigh and says *oh well I must be getting ready for the days events*. Anne is getting dressed and Mary knocks on her door * and says *Anne may I come in please sister* Anne replies *Yes you may come in and help me with my corset* Mary says to Anne did you see him, did you see his majesty and the Duke of Suffolk? As they mounted their horses did they not look so gallant on them*. Oh Anne what a site to behold if only we were able to go to court to see the king we could go to parties, dance and drink wine* and meet lots of young men. Anne replies *oh Mary really is that all you think about there is so much more to life than that*. Mary replies * oh Anne don’t be so silly of course I know that there is more to life than dancing and drinking wine and parties. But ever since mother died our home has not been the same and I would like to be happy so please don’t spoil it for me Anne. Anne replies * very well then go and be happy you have my blessing. Meanwhile the king has left and said his good bye’s to Thomas Boleyn and thanked him for his hospitality and has invited him and his family to court at Whitehall Palace.Thomas Boleyn comes in and call his children Mary, Anne, George come here I have some great news his Majesty has invited all of us to come to court. He said that we would be able to stay there if we like. They all respond and say *oh poppa really, how lucky are we* that’s wonderful news* yet Anne is still not impressed by the invitation that has been extended to her and her family. Thomas Boleyn asks Anne *what’s wrong* Anne leaves and runs out the door to a place where she can be alone. Not knowing that it is by the very stream that his majesty and his party have taken to water the horses.

She comes up from the west side of Hever Castle and comes upon them. She looks does not say a word and just watches them. she slips and falls into the water there is a loud splash. The king hears the splash and the sound of a woman’s voice she is laughing and crying at the same time The king investigates and finds Anne in the stream all wet, he looks at her and laughs and tells his servants to help her out of the water. They proceed to help her and she says *oh thank you my lords * looks up and see his majesty laughing. She says to his majesty and just what are you laughing at haven’t you ever seen a person get wet before? She is embarrassed and stomps off and runs off to Hever Castle and changes her clothes she does not realize that it was the king since he was in plain clothes. The king in his curiosity asks who that was. His grace says it was the lady Anne Boleyn. The daughter of Thomas Boleyn he has two daughters your majesty Mary and Anne. Mary is the young maid whom you met as we were leaving this morning and this is the Lady Anne who fell in to the stream. The king’s smiles and wonders about her as he mounts his horse and heads back to Whitehall Palace. He talks with Charles as they ride back to Whitehall palace. His majesty asks Charles, are they coming to court and he answers *why yes your majesty you have invited them this morning before we left the Boleyn home. The king replies * very good make sure that when they come to court that they are shown every kindness and comfort while they are with us. Charles replies * yes your Majesty consider it done* they continue to ride back to Whitehall Palace where the king meets with Sir Thomas Moore and the Privy Council on matters of state and court matters. Meanwhile back at Hever Castle Thomas Boleyn and his family are getting ready to go to Whitehall Palace. Anne has just gotten back from the stream and she walks up to the castle opens the door and her father is in shock at her appearance he says *Anne my god what happened to you, why are you all wet? *Where have you been and why did you storm out of the house before what’s wrong child*? Anne replies and says to her father * father I left because I miss mother, how can you be so happy when she is gone, talking about parties and such things. So I went to my special place and I slipped and fell in to the stream and got wet *I came upon the kings party as they were watering there horses, I saw them waited I lost my footing and slipped in to the stream and that is how I got wet. The king’s guards helped me out of the stream and on to the bank. Thomas Boleyn replies *Anne my dear daughter, sweetheart I loved your mother so very much I miss her terribly and she will always live in my heart and you know how she loved to have parties and socialize and be with others. I am only doing what she would want me to do for all of her children*. *Anne please, please do not be angry I know how much you loved you mother and how you feel, but we must go on living that’s what she would have wanted for all of us. Anne replies * yes father you are right I will try to be happy and enjoy our time at court. * That’s my Anne, now let us ready for our journey to Whitehall Palace, now go and pack and get ready and bring you best with you and do not worry about the dresses we have all new ones made for the palace* Ann is so excited about the new dresses but not really sure about going to court to see the king. She is not sure how she feels about the king, and is not sure what to make of him. Though Anne thinks is he quite handsome. And she still feels embarrassed about falling in to the stream and how he laughed at he because she was all wet. She really did not know who he was, as he was laughing at her because of the way he was dressed.The Carriage comes and takes the Boleyn’s to Whitehall Palace they get in to the carriage. The carriage is covered in rich cherry mahogany leather and tufted leather cushions, beveled glass windows; silk and leather curtains with gold tack buttons leather tiebacks. It is a beautiful fall day the sun is shinning through the trees and there is a cool breeze blowing, can hear the sounds of all kinds of wildlife coming from the forest. As they travel through the forest towards Whitehall Palace the girls are talking about what life will be like at court and all of the parties, dances, and events at court Mary is always talking about who she may meet, while Anne is quite the student in music and literature.

Anne is staring out the window as Mary asks her *Anne are you not excited about seeing his majesty the king * Anne are you listening to me? Anne is a million miles away and does not realize that Mary is talking to her. Mary says to Anne what’s wrong why will you not talk to me Anne replies *Huh oh im sorry Mary what did you say? *Oh yes im sure it will be very lovely being at court. * Mary replies to Anne *we will meet the members of his majesty’s court the fine lords and dukes and earls so many men to dance with how exciting*. Anne replies* Oh Mary is that all you care about is the men at court really there is so much more. The carriage is approaching Whitehall Palace they are coming though the front gate the guards announce that the Boleyn’s have arrived. They drive up in front of the palace the footman and grooms get down off of the carriage open the carriage doors. Thomas, George, Anne, and Mary Boleyn get out of the carriage and are in sheer amazement of how grand Whitehall Palace is. They are met by his king’s secretary and are escorted in to the palace to the great hall reception area. The room is filled with courtiers, lords and ladies there is music playing the chamberlain announces them to the king as they walk down the long aisle toward the king they are announced one more time they bow, and the ladies curtsy to the king and arise. The king stands up and greets Thomas Boleyn and his family the king says * Thomas welcome to my court, I welcome you and your family here I hope that you will have all the comforts that you will need here* Thomasresponds *your Majesty I thank you, you are most kind and gracious for invitingus to court I would like to introduce you to my children, this is my son George, and my daughters Mary and Anne* The king responds *welcome to my court * ah yes Thomas I do remember your children though I have not formally met your two daughters he kisses there hand and says * ladies* the king bows his head and stops and looks at Anne and smiles.He says to Anne * lady Anne was it you that fell in to the stream*? And my guards helped you out of the stream Anne answers *yes your majesty it was me and as I remember it you laughed at me and I left *The king smiles at her and chuckles and she laughs the king gives her a look with his eyes, its of great interest and see her as a challenge. They are shown to there chambers and the king leaves to go to his private chambers to take care of matters of state and prepare for the nights welcome dinner. Anne is shown to her chambers and they are grander than she could imagine with four-poster bed made of dark cherry mahogany and adorned in satin and gold sheer drapes that hang to the floor the room The bedspread is in gold’s and read and burgundy’s and cream’s and ivory linens. Fine crystal glasses and tableware are also in her chambers. Beautiful paintings are on the walls and the windows are decorated in stained glass flowers of red and white, the Tudor rose and the code of arms of his majesty’s family. Anne chambers face the beautiful rose gardens and fountains on one side and on the other side of her chambers you can river Thames. It is such beautiful view Anne walks over to the window looks out and stands there and reflects thinking about his majesty and the greeting that they received when they arrived. Candelabras filled with candles adorned in gold trim all about the room. There is a beautiful glow from the candles, Anne stand at the window and looks out at the rose gardens and continues to think about the king she is getting a feeling but is not quite sue what it is. Anne is all settled in and is getting ready for the nights celebration welcoming dinner party. His majesty has sent over some gifts for the Boleyn’s. There is a knock at the door of Anne’s chambers it is the lord chamberlain who has a parcel for Anne she opens the door and says *my lord chamberlain what may I do for you? * He answers her and says *My lady his Majesty the king has sent you this parcel and hopes that you will accept it for this evening’s party. * Anne tells him to come in and place it on the table and tells him to tell the king that she is most grateful and please thank him for his kindness. The Lord Chamberlain leave the parcel and tells the lady Anne, very well My lady I will tell his majesty. Anne thanks the lord chamberlain and he leaves.Anne opens up the parcel that the king has sent over it is all the pieces for a beautiful dress. The dress is a beautiful midnight blue and trimmed in sliver with a sliver and midnight blue bodice and a crystal crown trimmed in sapphires and diamonds. beautiful shoes to match the dress. And jewels to wear.Anne is all dressed and is ready to go to the party there is a knock at the door of her chambers and it is one of the kings grooms to escort her to the great hall where the party is taking place. The she walking down the hallway and coming closer to the great hall she can hear the music playing and people talking she is at the entrance of the great hall and is announced to the king *the lady Anne Boleyn* she walk down the center of the room and all eyes are on her and there are whispers from the people who are there.

As she walks towards the king he stops talking to his grace the Duke of Suffolk, looks up and is in awe of her beauty and the way she looks in the dress that he gave her for the party. She is announced to the king by the chamberlain announces her *your majesty the lady Anne Boleyn*She curtsy’s deeply and looks directly at the king. The king says my lady, lady Anne good evening. Anne answers him and says * your majesty good evening and thank you for the lovely gifts that you sent me they are all so beautiful and I love this dress thank you so much* The king replies * you are most welcome my lady I am glad that you like them* the king asks her to dance *Lady Anne would you do me the honor and dance with me*? Anne replies * your majesty I would be most happy to dance with you* the king leads her to the dance floor and they dance the night away. The king asks the lady Anne if she would like to join him for a walk out on the terrace. The lady Anne does not know what to say. She is caught by surprise at his request. Your majesty I do not know what to say it would not be proper for us to be alone on the terrace I must ask my father if he will allow it* Anne goes over to her father and asks him if it would be all right if she could go outside on the terrace with his majesty. *Father May I go out on the terrace with the king* Thomas Boleyn replies yes of course Anne I will be right here and can see everything your brother will accompany you on the terrace* George you with your sister Anne and his majesty out on the terrace * George replies * yes father* George walks with Anne to the terrace where his majesty is waiting for her. The moon is full and has a golden glow around it, it is a clear autumn night and the sky is beautiful midnight blue velvet and the stars twinkle like the diamonds on a necklace. There is a cool breeze blowing the air is crisp clean as the pine trees sway the aroma of pine blows through the air. George and Anne walk out on to the terrace good evening your majesty. The king replies my lord, lady Anne it is a lovely night is it not*?They reply*yes your majesty it is a wonderful evening and a great welcome celebration everything is so beautiful and everyone has been so wonderful and so friendly here at court. The king responds* I am glad that you are happy, I trust that you have everything that you need* Anne replies * yes your majesty we do everything is perfect* the king responds how do you like your chambers*? Anne replies they are just beautiful, much more grander than I could have ever imagined your majesty thank you very much for such lovely chambers*you can hear the sound of music coming from the great hall his majesty asks the lady Anne to dance again*? She replies why yes I would love to your majesty* they being to dance and talk. The king is quite taken with the lady Anne. Anne is not quite sure what to make of his majesty he is always showering her with such lovely gifts. She enjoys dancing with his majesty and is beginning to feel some butterflies in the pit of her stomach. She is thinking that this is much to soon to feel this way Since they have only just met when his majesty and the duke came to the high country and stopped in to see her father and give him the elk that they caught, it does not seem right to her. And they really never met her while he was at her family home. She remembers that she was upstairs in her room and she and Mary where look down at them from the balcony. But he could not see her since she was hidden from his majesty by a pillar on the balcony.She also remembers how she ran out the house because she was upset with her father about going to Whitehall Palace because the king had invited them and she felt like her father was betraying her mothers memory by having fun and going to court for parties and all kinds of events. That’s why she ran down to the stream when she came upon his majesty and his party and slipped and fell in to the stream and got all wet and he laughed at her. And the king told his guards to help her out of the stream. She is thinking *well he has some nerve laughing at me even if he is the king*.

As she stands on the terrace she thinks and reflects about all the events that’s have happened up to this point. She is very happy and glad that she has come to court and has met the king she is beginning to like what she sees and her feelings are beginning to get much stronger as the days and nights wear on. His Majesty and Anne are dancing and the music stops and they clap their hand and bow to each other. His majesty says to Anne * lady Anne would you like to take a walk with me in to the rose garden and take a look at the fountains the moonlight at this time of night its so bright the water looks like showers of diamonds falling down* Anne replies *why yes your Majesty I would love to it sounds lovely* He takes her hand and they walk arm in arm down to the rose gardens and the fountains. It is a sight to behold and more beautiful than she envisioned. They stop and Anne continues to walk around as his majesty beings to talk and get to know her better. He says to her * Lady Anne please tell me about yourself what to you like to do, are you well traveled? Do you play cards? , Do you like music? Do you play and instrument? What do you play? She replies well your Majesty, I am well traveled and I do love to play cards, I love music and I play the harpsichord. What do you like to do your majesty he replies * I like to hunt, and play sport, joust, and other such things, I like music, play and instrument, write poetry, and compose music. He walks towards her and places his hand on her shoulder. She flinches and then turns around and looks in to his eyes and smiles. He caresses her cheek steps in and kisses her softly on the lips. He looks deeply in to her eyes and smiles. It takes her breath away and says * your majesty * the king replies * my lady* they stand apart and hold both of each others hands and smile.

Okay, Tudor Enthusiasts, I've thought of a competition to do for this exciting book giveaway - generously given by Simon & Schuster publishing company. I think it would be really fun to do a writing competition! Nothing crazy... just enough to get your creative Tudor juices flowing! Since this is a book about Anne Boleyn (though modern, of course), I thought we could write a prompt about Anne and Henry. Here's the prompt I thought of...

Since there is no real record of how or when Anne Boleyn and Henry Tudor first met, why don't we create this first encounter for them? Write a scene depicting the first time Anne and Henry saw each other. This can be as factual or made-up as you want! Feel free to take facts and events from the Tudor dynasty to incorporate into your scene, or just let your creativity run wild and make it all up! Since this is a fictional and fun book that you're competing for, there are no real guidelines as it relates to your writing. Just be CREATIVE!Where were Henry and Anne when they first saw each other? Who else was around to witness it? Did they speak to each other during their first encounter, or did they merely admire each other from afar? Was the attraction one-sided or mutual from the beginning? YOU DECIDE the details and turn it into your own Tudor scene.I can imagine these scenes will be so much fun to read - I'm already excited about it! I hope you will get excited too and take advantage of the opportunity to practice your Tudor writing, and to take a chance at winning what looks to be a very fun book!

RULES~Unfortunately, Simon & Schuster can only offer three books to American and Canadian entries. If you are from another country and would still like to take part in the competition, please do! If I choose your scene as one of the winners, I will offer a different prize for you!~There are no word minimums or maximums! Feel free to let yourself go with this prompt.~Please send your completed scene to me at tudorenthusiast@gmail.com by 11:59pm on JULY 20th!

~Be sure your name is included with your scene once you've emailed it to me. If you are chosen as a winner, I will email you back and ask for your address to send to Simon & Schuster.The winners of this competition will not only win copies of "Anne of Hollywood," but I will post their winning entries in a special blog post on this website immediately following the competition!Happy writing, Tudor Enthusiasts! Remember, the competition will end at 11:59 on July 20th!